KULIM Solar cell vendor First Solar Inc is looking to increase the local content of the photovoltaic (PV) solar modules it ships out of Malaysia by enlarging the pool of its local suppliers.

The company - via wholly-owned subsidiary First Solar Malaysia Sdn Bhd - currently sources between 20 per cent and 25 per cent of its materials from a pool of local vendors in sectors such as glass, packaging, labelling and the handling of semiconductor materials.

"We expect to see a greater role played in our manufacturing operations by small and medium-sized firms here next year.

"By the third quarter of 2012, First Solar will finalise how much more local content can be incorporated into our products," First Solar Malaysia's managing director P'ng Soo Hong told reporters during the company's milestone ce-lebrations of hitting a cumulative total of three gigawatts (GW) power worth of solar modules at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park in Kedah yesterday.

The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

First Solar Malaysia began operations in Kulim in 2007 with a single manufacturing plant and 109 employees.

Today, the company has six facilities and has grown its workforce to 3,500, while contributing some RM3.45 billion to the local economy since 2007.

P'ng said as First Solar works on growing its supplier base in Malaysia, providers of raw materials and spare parts needed for solar panels would be sought.

"The sustainable growth of our production is proof that the decision to make Malaysia the largest production hub for First Solar globally was the right one," he added.

A trade publication on photonics last year stated that First Solar had earmarked US$1 billion (RM3.17 billion) for 2011 to increase its total production capacity from 1.43 GW in 2010 to around 2.1 GW this year and 2.7 GW in 2012.

Meanwhile, Mukhriz in his speech said with the momentous output by First Solar currently, Malaysia is firming up its position as one of the largest solar panel producing nations."We are now overtaking much larger competitor nations as world-class companies start to expand their capacities in Malaysia."

Panasonic Corp will invest as much as 50 billion yen (RM2.06 billion) to build a solar panel plant in Malaysia, its first such facility overseas, as a strong yen pushes up production costs at home, two industry sources told Reuters.

The firm, which has been touting environmental and energy technology as key growth areas, dropped a plan to convert a television panel plant in Western Japan into a solar power factory in October because of the rising yen and an industry price war.

The Malaysia plant will start production in the financial year starting next April and bolster the company's solar output capacity by 50 per cent to about 900 megawatts (MW), the sources said.

The company plans both production of solar cells and assembly of solar panels at the plant, the sources said. Panasonic declined to confirm the plan.

"We will announce details of our solar panel growth strategy at the appropriate time," said company spokesman Akira Kadota.

Competition among Japan's big solar panel makers, including Sharp Corp and Kyocera Corp, is intensifying as they look to compete with rivals overseas.

At the same time demand for solar panels is expected to slump in Europe due to cuts in government funding. Sales of solar cells in Japan rose 28.7 per cent in the July-September quarter from the same period a year earlier, slowing for the seventh straight quarter.

Solar panel exports from Japan fell 11.3 per cent in the same period. Shares in Panasonic, which is forecasting its biggest loss in a decade for the year to March 2012, were down 1.7 per cent at 680 yen by early afternoon trade yesterday, compared with a 1.3 per cent fall in the Nikkei average.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry secretary-general Datuk Loo Took Gee estimates Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia (Seda) to collect up to RM250 million in levy by the end of 2012.

Due to limited funds, the feed-in tariff (FiT) quota allocation for RE producers is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. This prompted a rush in online applications to Seda.

Since December 1 2011, applications for the FiT allocation under the categories of biomass and solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy projects were fully taken up.

Asked if the government may raise the quotas and allow for more RE producers to supply to the national grid, Loo said: "It all depends on the funding. If (heavy energy) consumers (in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah) are willing to pay an addition 1 per cent (to the current 1 per cent RE levy on their electricity bills), we're open to raising the quotas."

Loo and Ali were speaking to Business Times on the sidelines of the Solar Symposium 2011 held here yesterday.

In recognising the importance of greenhouse gas reduction and climate change mitigation, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board carried out a life cycle assessment of palm oil and palm bio-diesel production.

Dompok said the study, which had been reviewed by an international independent expert panel and published in peer reviewed journals, found that one tonne of refined palm oil entails emission of about 1.1 tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent of GHG.

It is lower than the 1.7 tonnes of emission for soyabean oil and 1.35 tonnes for rapeseed oil.

"The GHG emission of one tonne of palm oil is comparable if not better than those of other competing vegetable oils such as soyabean oil and rapeseed oil," he said.

Nevertheless, Dompok said the industry is striving to minimise emsissions by trapping methane from palm oil mill effluent and converting it to renewable energy for supply to the national grid.

Malaysian green companies are invited to invest in Berlin, German, as the capital is known for its renewable energy industry.

Berlin Tourismus and Kongress Chief Executive Officer Burkhard Kieker said Berlin was the hub for science, risk and research and there were many industries related to the environment, developing devices to save energy, save water and solar power.

"Berlin is a centre for alternative energy like solar power and waterpower. "Besides, we also have health, biotech, transport and renewable energy

which are the main four sectors in Berlin," he told Bernama in an interview today.

He said in Berlin, there were young companies with good ideas but in need of venture capital as such Malaysian companies should consider investing in Berlin.

Malaysian investors keen on finding a partner in Berlin should contact Berlin Partner, which is Berlin's economic development department, he said, adding that Berlin was not affected by the Euro debt crisis.

"There is absolutely no debt crisis in Germany and the economy is very sound and stable, financially. "We're always looking for foreign investment because we are convinced that the economy is global," said Kieker.

Kieker said in order to promote Berlin further, talks were in progress now with airlines in Malaysia to offer direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Berlin.

Berlin's new airport, Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, located 20km away from the city centre, will cater for 45 million passengers when it opens for operations in June next year. -- Bernama

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said that the state has attracted investments worth more than RM410mil from local and international companies.

This, he said, does not include the RM1.2bil invested by Twin Creeks Malaysia Sdn Bhd to build a plant to produce high-powered solar cells at the Kanthan Industrial Area here.

The plant was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin last December.

“Green technology projects to be implemented in the state include algae production by US-based Petro Algae Ltd worth RM11mil and a RM150mil project by Megafirst Corporation Bhd to produce green construction material,” he said after witnessing the signing of an agreement between the State Development Corpora-tion and Return 2 Green Sdn Bhd here yesterday.

Dr Zambry said Perak was hopeful of bringing in more such investments in future.

He said the state had set aside a 40ha site at the Perak Hi-Tech Park near here to be developed into a Green Technology Industrial Area.

On the agreement, Dr Zambry said Return 2 Green would set up a plant to produce biodegradable products for the domestic and export markets at the Kampung Acheh Industrial Estate in Manjung.

He added that the company would also build another RM47mil plant at the Perak Hi-Tech Park and appoint 18 vendors from the state as part of its expansion plans.

SEKINCHAN: Thirty schools, especially those located in the rural areas, will be selected for the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry’s solar energy project next year.

Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui said the project would be implemented by an independent power producer (IPP) with funding through the Malaysian Electricity Supply Industries Trust Account.

“The project will be carried out at 30 selected schools beginning next year, starting with a school in the Sungai Besar parliamentary constituency,” he told reporters after launching the Selangor-level Green Community Carnival organised by the ministry here yesterday.

He said the solar energy produced by the participating schools would be channeled through the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) cables for sale to the utility company.

Chin said that the project had been carried out by five schools.
On the Green Community Carnival programme, he said it was part of the efforts by the ministry to educate the society on the importance of protecting and conserving the environment.

He said various incentives had been provided to encourage the private sector to adopt the green technology in the production of their products and services. — Bernama

A file picture showing solar panels that form TNB’s solar-wind-diesel hybrid
power generating system on Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Under the Renewable
Energy Act 2011, TNB is obliged to buy renewable power produced by
licensed players at special rates.

Authority to make public details of successful applications for feed-in tariff

Under the Renewable Energy Act 2011, Tenaga Nasional Bhd is obliged to buy renewable power produced by licensed players at special rates. The rates are known as feed-in tariff, and referred to the idea of producers selling their energy to the power grid.

According to sources, Seda will publish the list of renewable power quota by the end of this month. It will list out the successful FiA applications, including details such as owner of the project, location as well as size.

However, sources said the list would not reveal the names of successful individual solar photovoltaic feed-in approval holder (FiAH) in order to protect their privacy. The authority body would, however, publish the details and location of the solar photovoltaic projects.

Photovoltaic, or solar cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. Solar panels used to power homes and businesses are typically made from solar cells combined into modules that hold about 40 cells.

Industry players said Seda should publish such information for transparency and fairness in the feed-in tariff system.

“Yes, if there is nothing to hide and this promotes transparency, then Seda should publish those information. This allows public to know how much money has been collected and actually used for renewable energy,” an industry player said.

Seda saw a flurry of applications for feed-in tariff when the e-FiT online system started on Dec 1.

The quota for producing solar photovoltaic for non-individual applicants (including corporations) has been taken up for the next three years. For individual applicants, another 4.8MW was available as of yesterday afternoon.

According to Seda's renewable energy capacity map, a total of eight small hydro projects (six in Peninsular Malaysia and two in Sabah) under feed-in tariff have been approved.

The authority has also given approval for one biomass renewable energy project each to Kina Biopower Sdn Bhd (11.5MW) and TSH Bio-Energy Sdn Bhd (14MW). Both projects are located in Sabah.

Separately, Seda has given five approvals for biogass from landfill or sewage. All five projects are located in Peninsular Malaysia. The project owners are Kub-Berjaya Energy Sdn Bhd with installed capacity of 3.2MW, Jana Landfill Sdn Bhd (1MW and 1.9572MW), Cypark Suria (Pajam) Sdn Bhd (1MW) and Gaya Dunia Sdn Bhd (0.5MW).

Jana Landfill is a unit of TNB while Cypark Suria is a subsidiary of Cypark Resources Bhd.

Last week, Cypark Resources said it expected to generate annual revenue of up to RM17mil from the sale of renewable energy upon full commencement of its renewable energy park.

RENEWABLE energy (RE) producers in Sabah, who are mostly biomass and biogas plant operators at palm oil mills, will not enjoy the 32 sen per kilowatt per hour (kWh) under the feed-in tariff (FiT).

RE producers in Sabah will only be paid the rates accorded under Tenaga Nasional Bhd's (TNB) Small Renewable Energy Projects, according to a statement by Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda).

This means oil palm biomass and biogas plant operators there will only be paid 21 sen per kWh instead of the promised 32 sen per kWh under FiT.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin had reportedly said heavy power users in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, who use more than 350kWh or whose monthly bills exceed RM77, are to start paying the one per cent RE levy this month.

However, Seda, the implementing agency under Chin's ministry, said on Tuesday TNB will collect the RE levy only from consumers in Peninsular Malaysia. This is because there has yet to be a gazette to this effect in Sabah.

The regulator said RE producers in Sabah will only be eligible for FiT when the one per cent RE levy is collected by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, a 70 per cent-subsidiary of TNB, from heavy power users in Sabah.

Sarawak, however, is exempted from the RE levy because under the Renewable Energy Act 2010, the FiT is only applicable to Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.

FiT essentially guarantees RE producers a premium selling price over that generated from depleting and finite sources such as oil, gas and coal.

Power generated from sustainable sources that benefits from FiT includes that of oil palm biomass, biogas, small hydro and solar.

Meanwhile, RE producers will not automatically receive payment under the FiT from December this year. This is because RE producers need to go online and bid for the quota and the relevant FiT rate.

MORE than 80 solar-powered lights at bus stops in Kajang, Cheras and Semenyih malfunctioned within three months after being installed.

Kajang municipal councillor Eddie Ng said only eight out of the 96 lights were functioning and the rest were not in working condition.

Ng said the lights were installed at the end of 2010 and in less than three months many had malfunctioned.

Last year, 40 bus stops were refurbished, including 26 that were demolished and rebuilt.

“We are shocked as this is a waste of funds. The Transport Ministry identified the bus stops to be refurbished and the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) in the Prime Minister’s Department acts as a coordinator.

“The Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) questioned their decision but were told that the ministry was unhappy with the design.

“We have requested for minutes of the meeting we had with the ministry and ICU on this project but have yet to receive a reply,” he said.

He clarified that this was not a council project.

“The ministry and ICU are in charge of the project while MPKj shortlisted the contractors, came up with the building specifications and maintenance,” he said.

He added that the ICU just refurbished the bus stops but the maintenance was left to the council.

“This has cost the council a lot of money. We brought this to ICU’s attention via a letter on April 11 last year but so far no action has been taken.

“The solar-powered lights should still be under warranty,” he said.

Eleven initiatives were established under the National Key Results Area for urban public transport and one of it is to refurbish 634 bus stops and build 306 new covered bus stops.

According to sources, RM9mil was spent in 2010 and almost RM11mil last year for this project.

Seven local councils — Sepang, Subang Jaya, Selayang, Ampang Jaya, Klang, Kajang and Shah Alam were involved in the project to refurbish bus stops and also build new ones.

A source from ICU confirmed that the council was responsible for shortlisting the contractors, preparing the quotation and maintenance of the bus stops.

“There is no limit to the project funds but it cannot exceed RM30,000 per bus stop. It usually costs between RM20,000 and RM35,000 for each bus stop.

“This is a Class F contract, hence each contractor can be awarded a project of not more than RM200,000,” he said.

KUCHING: Environmental technology and engineering specialist Cypark Resources Bhd (Cypark), announced yesterday that the company received a Letter of Acceptance from the Ministry of Housing and Local GovernmentHou (KPKT) for the proposed upgrading of the landfill site at Kok Foh, Jempol, Negeri Sembilan worth RM14.7 million.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday, Cypark said that the project completion date would be Nov 6, 2012; or 44 weeks from the date of site possession. The contract was expected to contribute positively to the earnings and net assets of Cypark for the financial year ending Oct 30, 2012.

The contract, amongst others, would involve works for the safe closure of one part of the landfill and the upgrading of the other part of the landfill into a sanitary cell.

Tan Sri Razali Ismail, non-independent, non-executive chairman and founder of Cypark, said, “The contract will further strengthen the company’s position as one of Malaysia’s leading specialists in solid waste management and integrated environmental solution.

“This new contract is an addition to the previously awarded contract by KPKT, which is currently being undertaken, for the safe closure and remediation of 16 landfills across the country, four sites out of which are also located in Negeri Sembilan.”

The company has developed expertise and technical know-how to generate renewable energy whereby waste biomass, landfill gas and solar rays from the remediated sites and brown fields are harnessed to produce green energy at Integrated Renewable Energy Parks.

Razali continued, “By upgrading another landfill site at Negeri Sembilan, it clearly shows the State’s resolve in creating a higher standard of living for the population of Negeri Sembilan. We are proud to be able to do our part in cleaning up the environment for the Jempol population, so that they can enjoy a much healthier and less harmful lifestyle.”

Cypark registered a profit after tax of RM5.1 million for the financial quarter ended July 31, 2011 at the back of revenues amounting to RM35.2 million. The company posted a cumulative profit after tax of RM17.9 million or translated earnings per share of 12 sen. The company currently has cumulative revenues of RM118.8 million.

The company will begin production of its tint film solar PV panel systems within the next two years in the US.

Leveraging on the capacity of the upcoming plant, GE Energy general manager of renewable sales (Asia Pacific) Peter Cowling said the group wants to expand in the emerging Asian market.

He said GE Energy is keen to find partners involved in the construction, electrical and engineering and rooftop activities.

"With the recently passed Renewable Energy Bill 2010, discussions are quickly turning to how solar PV projects can be implemented in Malaysia.

"We believe significant opportunities exist for the growth of power generation from solar power and biomass in Malaysia," he said in an interview recently.

Under its unit PrimeStar, GE Energy is investing in a new 400 megawatt manufacturing facility in the US, which will produce enough panels each year to power 80,000 homes.

Depending on the demand, the tint film solar PV is at least 50 per cent cheaper as compared to traditional silicone PV.

Through its Ecomagination initiative, GE Energy is committed to building innovative solutions to address today's environmental challenges.

"Renewable energy is an area of intense interest on the world stage and is gaining traction among governments and the public in Asean, including Malaysia," Cowling said.

He said with the government's support, opportunities for Malaysian companies in the renewable energy space are significant.

Meanwhile, Malaysia can reduce its dependence on finite resources, such as coal and oil, which currently account for 85 per cent of its electricity generation, by using solar PV power to meet this growing demand. Zurinna Raja Adam

KUCHING: More of the city’s residents may soon enjoy the benefits of green energy when a little-known pilot project – using a hybrid solar and wind energy system to power street lights along the waterfront – is expanded to cover a bigger area.

But this will depend on the findings of a final report assessing the cost-effectiveness of the project due this April, Kuching North City Mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai told The Borneo Post yesterday.

The wind turbine/solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid system was installed in April 2010 as part of a pilot and educational project by Sirim, iWind Energy (M) Sdn Bhd and Sri Waja Resources Sdn Bhd, under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti).

When contacted, Mosti Deputy Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof was not able to give an exact figure for cost per unit, as it was a pilot project carried out for educational purposes at this stage.

“If mass-produced, it (the cost) will definitely be much lower,” he said, adding that presently one unit is estimated to cost RM20,000.

Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) is overseeing maintenance of the pilot project.

Abdul Wahap said that although progress was good so far, DBKU would wait until April this year to evaluate the practicality of the technology for tropical conditions.

If it proves to be practical and cost-effective, the project would be expanded to other areas as DBKU is keen to promote renewable energy.

The hybrid energy system is helping power street lighting located at selected areas along the waterfront area, using electricity harnessed from the wind and sunlight.

This means that DBKU did not have to fork out a single sen in electricity for those areas, which are not connected to the main grid.

The mayor said DBKU had not encountered any major problem in maintaining the system, aside from the challenges posed by cloudy skies and rainy weather.

During good weather, the lighting is bright enough as the system is able to gather and store enough energy in batteries to power the lights.

The downside is when it rains for more than a couple of days in a row, such as experienced by the city lately, the battery does not have enough time to recharge sufficiently without enough sunlight and wind power. Hence the lighting units powered by the system last for a short time only.

Abdul Wahap added that initially, they had concerns about vandalism but vandals were kept at bay by guards patrolling the area and closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras.

The mayor said DBKU would continue promoting environment-friendly practices this year through community-centred programmes.

Among ongoing green activities are reducing household waste via composting. The public who are interested to set up their own composting systems at home can contact DBKU for information and assistance.

The Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) is working with the Korean Institute for Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP) to come up with new clean technology for Malaysia.

In a statement in Kuala Lumpur today, MIGHT said the agreement signed today, would see the cooperation of the two organisations with KISTEP providing advice on emerging opportunities in clean technology and network facilitation with industry experts.

It said input from global partners like KISTEP was vital to ensure the country had an international perspective on emerging technologies, the opportunities and new markets, presented.

KISTEP has agreed to help identify critical technology sectors for Malaysia's development in the next ten years, critical industries at risk and new potential industries yet to be captured.

MIGHT, an agency in the Prime Minister's Department, is expected to launch the National Foresight Institute later this month that would support evidence-based scenario planning for science and technology development in Malaysia.

The Foresight methodology developed by MIGHT in Malaysia over the last two decades has evolved to become one of the most important input mechanisms for planning science and technology development in the country. -- BERNAMA

Its unit, Compugates Sabah Sdn Bhd (CSSB), has won a pilot project from the Board of Trustees of Sabah parks to supply and install a 6kWh Green Solar Hybrid System in Pulau Gulisaan, Turtle Island Park in Sabah for RM270,000.

The project will enable the turtle sanctuary and hatchery on the island to have round-theclock electricity supply while, at the same time, achieve reduced carbon footprint via the hybrid
system.

A source said Compugates is targeting bigger projects in Sabah and will be setting up a plant soon for around RM30 million.

Compugates managing director Goh Kheng Peow was not available for comment.

The stock was the fifth most active on Bursa Malaysia yesterday. It close unchanged at 11 sen with 51.32 million shares traded.

CSSB is the sole and exclusive distributor of green energy storage systems developed and manufactured by ETI Tech (M) Sdn Bhd for Sabah.

Using the latest lithium polymer cell technology, these systems are environment-friendly as they contain neither lead nor acid.
CSSB has carried out detailed studies for other Sabah parks stations and facilities in the Kinabalu and Crocker Range parks.

Proposals for green renewable energy solutions have been submitted for these facilities, which may be adopted after the successful implementation of the pilot project in Pulau Gulisaan.

The company will commence studies for more Sabah parks facilities at the Pulau Tiga Park, the Tawau Hills Park and the Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

Apart from Sabah parks, CSSB is also in advanced negotiations with other government agencies and local authorities in Sabah to provide green energy solutions.

It has completed a comprehensive study for the Sabah Forestry Department and submitted detailed proposed solutions.

It also will be installing reliable and proven solar-powered LED (light-emitting diodes) street lighting systems to municipalities in the state.

He said among the places identified by the government were Miri in Sarawak, Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan, Hang Tuah Jaya in Melaka and Pulau Sah Besar in Kenyir, Terengganu.

"One of the key performance indicators (KPIs) under the LCCF is to promote green communities. I am supposed to promote at least five green communities throughout the country," Chin told reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Ken Holdings Bhd and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) yesterday.

The minister said the government has initiated the LCCF to achieve a holistic sustainable development that will subsequently reduce carbon emissions.

"The LCCF can be used by all stakeholders in human settlements of any size, be it cities, townships or neighbourhoods, either new or existing, to measure the impact of their development decisions in term of carbon emissions and abatement," he said.

He said the four main focus areas in the LCCF are urban environment, urban transportation, urban infrastructure and buildings.

"Future buildings should be planned with this criteria in mind," Chin said.

On the take-up of Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS), he said 36 loans worth RM607 million have been approved by the banks since the launch in 2010.

Meanwhile, Ken Holdings executive director Sam C.S. Tan said the MoA covers collaborative research, sharing of expertise and development of green technology for the housing industry.

Tan said the project will be carried out using heat-insulated roofing sheets and walling blocks or panels with the intention of collecting sufficient data on ambient temperature change in relation to the use of specific building materials and design.

He said Ken Holdings will also be providing UTAR with all materials for this project, including the building of an experimental village in the soon-to-be-completed Ken Rimba Green Township in Shah Alam.